Entry Level Laptop Recommendation

I’m looking for an entry level laptop for my wife to use. She was a secondary school teacher. Mainly just for internet browsing, a little word processing and some Zoom etc. No gaming or graphic design or anything like that whatsoever. She said she would be happy with a 14” laptop.

I was looking at the Acer Aspire 5 A514-52K-36GL , until I found I was accidentally browsing the Australian HN website. Comparison on price between AUS and NZ below! Aus sale price was $468 compared to HN NZ sale price of $898!

I have no idea what is a good deal or not so any advice would be much appreciated. Was thinking it would make a nice Xmas gift for her.

Thanks

Comments

  • I am a little biased, but if it were me I'd be buying an ex-lease business laptop for her. A solid 6th gen Intel in excellent condition with a metal body, webcam, Windows 10 Pro, etc can be had for sub $500 and will easily last 3 years whereas a cheaper consumer one will be of the same performance (or less) but the build and durability isn't the same.

  • Pb Tech for ex lease refurbished. Good deals.

  • I agree - I have rarely bought a brand new laptop (if my own money).

    I usually buy an ex-lease business laptop that is in visibly good condition, with a few months warranty (often 90 days). Whilst visible damage doesn't generally matter, it is indicative of the attitude of the previous user(s). My laptops are used every day, and look the same as when I first got them three years later. Nothing stopping the vendor replacing / repairing scratches etc, but it is usually not worth it for them to do so.

    Alan.

  • If she doesnt need Word and can use Google Docs etc - then consider a Chromebook, you can get some nice machines for some good prices and they are really easy to use and simple.

  • Don't worry about word processing and antivirus. DO NOT pay for programs which give you those functions. Windows 7,8 & 10 have inbuilt quite adequate antivirus and theres heaps of Free word processing programs out there which are not inferior to Microsoft offerings. Libre office, free, excellent and contains all the functionality you could hope for in a full featured suite of office programs and it's pretty much 99% intercompatible with microsoft office.

  • Chomebook second hand you can get from 50 to 200 nzd for 11 inch windows based any ex leased with ssd should be ok

  • Thank you everyone for your input, I will head down to PB Tech and see what I can get in the way of an ex lease. Much appreciated!

    • Ex lease is way overpriced in PB Tech but once in a while they have some ex lease 30% or so off. Just need to sign up to their mailing list.

    • I've sent you a message, I have a laptop I was going to sell if you're interested.

Login or Join to leave a comment